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The Joy of Holiday Baking: 19 Delicious Bread Recipes to Brighten Your Season

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are left wondering: why do we still bother with fruitcake? Loaded with unwanted dried fruits, weighing as much as a small car, and packed with enough sugar to put a dent in our annual quota, it’s no surprise this traditional treat often ends up on the “worst holiday foods” list. But fear not, dear bakers! There are plenty of other delicious bread options to bring joy and cheer to your festive gatherings.

Sweet Treats to Start Your Day

1. Cranberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread: A stunning white chocolate drizzle and cranberries on top make this banana bread a holiday showstopper. But don’t let its elegant appearance fool you – inside, you’ll find whole-wheat flour, dried fruit, and nonfat dairy.
2. Spiced Apple Twist Bread: This sweet and savory bread is a perfect blend of pastry and bread, with less sugar and oil than traditional recipes. The cinnamon-spiced apple mixture in the middle is the perfect treat to start your day.
3. Vegan Sweet Potato Bread: Packed with sweet potato purée and grated carrots, this vegan bread is a nutrient powerhouse. Indulge in the carby goodness while knowing you’re getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
4. Vegan Date Bread: This nutty loaf uses dates, coconut sugar, and molasses for natural sweetness. Plus, it’s a great introduction to using aquafaba (chickpea water) in baking.
5. Healthy Ginger Orange Cranberry Bread: Put leftover cranberries to good use in this quick bread, packed with fresh orange juice, walnuts, and whole-wheat flour. It’s the perfect snack or breakfast option.

More Sweet Delights

6. Healthy Gingerbread Loaf: This lighter loaf packs all the spicy, rich gingerbread flavor without the empty calories. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect winter treat.
7. Pumpkin Fruit Bread: What’s a holiday roundup without pumpkin? This bread is made with pure pumpkin, spelt flour, ground spices, and unrefined sweeteners – a true celebration of real food.

Rolling into the Holidays

8. The Fluffiest Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Buns: These soft, fluffy buns are packed with warm spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Made with coconut oil and coconut sugar, they’re a healthier take on traditional Cinnabon creations.
9. Sweet Pumpkin Buns: Modeled after mini pumpkins, these adorable buns make for a showstopping breakfast. With a pair of kitchen scissors and some cinnamon sticks, you can create the ridges and stems that make them truly special.
10. St. Lucia Saffron Buns: Celebrate the holidays Swedish-style with these swirly, saffron-scented Scandinavian rolls. With less sugar and butter than traditional recipes, they’re a refreshing twist on a classic.
11. Chocolate Babka Buns: Who says babka has to be traditional? These chocolate-filled buns are easy to make and will leave your house smelling like heaven for hours.
12. Slow Cooker Sticky Pecan Buns: No need to wait for the dough to rise – these sticky pecan buns are made in a slow cooker, making them a genius innovation for busy holiday schedules.
13. Rosemary Maple Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls: Turn sweet potatoes into soft, fluffy dinner rolls with this recipe. Sweet from the tuber and maple syrup, but earthy from the sea salt and rosemary, they’re the perfect side dish for any festive table.
14. Sweet Molasses Dinner Rolls: These dinner rolls may look simple, but they’re packed with flavor. Molasses provides a deep sweetness, while cocoa powder adds a hint of richness.

Savory Delights to Complete Your Holiday Table

15. Cheesy Garlic Cornbread Drop Biscuits: No need to be a from-scratch baker to impress your guests. Jazz up store-bought cornbread mix with cheddar and garlic butter for a delicious, stress-free side dish.
16. Coconut Oil Butternut Squash Sage Biscuits: These biscuits are packed with butternut squash, keeping them light and fluffy. With a natural golden-yellow tint, they’re sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
17. Egg-Free Garlic Crusted Challah: This egg-free challah is a game-changer for vegans and those with egg allergies. Made with olive oil and a garlicky crust, it’s a delicious twist on traditional garlic bread.
18. Easy Rosemary Paleo Pumpkin Bread: Gluten-free friends, rejoice! This paleo pumpkin bread is made with almond and coconut flours, pumpkin seeds, and coconut sugar for a sweet and savory balance.
19. Olive Oil and Pumpkin Dinner Rolls: These dinner rolls are a refreshing departure from sweet pumpkin recipes. With olive oil, cumin, thyme, and a unique flavor combo, they’re a must-try for any holiday gathering.

This holiday season, ditch the fruitcake and bring joy to your table with these 19 delicious bread recipes. From sweet treats to savory delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy baking!